WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS HONOR 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LOCAL WWII VETERAN
The upcoming birthday of a World War II veteran and longtime Brenham resident was honored during today’s (Tuesday) Washington County Commissioners meeting.
The court proclaimed Thursday, August 26th as August Pahmiyer Day in recognition of Pahmiyer’s 100th birthday.
Pahmiyer’s stepson, Clarence Gerke, was present at the meeting to thank commissioners for their recognition.
Pahmiyer joined the United States Army in 1942, and served in several roles including driving M-3 armored vehicles and M-10 model fighting tanks, duty with the 821st Tank Destroyer Battalion, dual role as a rifleman and driver of a 2.5 ton supply truck with the 681st Tank Destroyer Battalion, and U.S. Army military police.
During Pahmiyer’s time in service, he received four Bronze Stars for battles in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was discharged in 1945 after three years and one month on active duty. He has lived in Brenham for over 70 years and worked at Appel Motors for nearly 40 years.
Commissioners gave several words of appreciation for Pahmiyer’s service, with Commissioner Joy Fuchs saying this honor was “duly deserved.” Commissioner Don Koester said he has known Pahmiyer for a very long time and called him “one of the best men that I ever met.” Commissioner Kirk Hanath said Pahmiyer is “a blessing to us all,” and County Judge John Durrenberger said the court is “honored to be able to do this” for him.
In celebration of Pahmiyer’s birthday, there will be a Drive-By and Wave on Thursday at 1903 South Chappell Hill Street from 4 to 5 p.m., and an in-person gathering at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall from 6 to 7 p.m. Family members ask anyone attending the in-person event to wear masks.
Also at today’s meeting, the court:
- Voted to consolidate polling locations for the November 2nd constitutional amendment election. Polling locations will be Friedens Church of Washington and the Washington County Expo Event Center for Precinct 1 voters, the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Brenham VFW Hall for Precinct 2, the Brenham American Legion Hall and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill for Precinct 3, and the Blinn College Student Center and Burton Community Center for Precinct 4. In previous years, the county would consolidate down to four polling locations, but as Burton ISD is holding a bond election this fall, the county opted to have eight locations in order to have one in Burton.
- Approved a commercial tax phase-in agreement between the county and QuestSpecialty Corporation. Brenham Economic Development Director Susan Cates said the estimated total abated value for the county’s portion of the agreement will be $14,189 over the life of the five-year abatement period.
- Approved advertising for an oil, gas and mineral lease on 698 acres of Washington County school land located in Tom Green County. Bids will be due by September 14th at 9 a.m.
- Appointed Dottie Schaer to replace Steve Miller on the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Area Agency and Advisory Committee.
- Approved updated position descriptions for the Expo event coordinator and the addressing and mapping coordinator.
- Heard a presentation from the county engineer for a preliminary plat for The Farm Houses of Pleasant Hill subdivision, a residential subdivision of 10 lots fronting a proposed road of Farm House Lane in Precinct 2.
- Approved a replat of the Chappell Hills subdivision in Precinct 2.
- Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division on Harry Franklin Lane in Precinct 1.
- Approved formal notices from Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating, LLC for a temporary fresh water transfer line with a three month duration on Bascome, Haupstrasse, Koether, Moye, Schoenemann, Sandtown, and Upshaw Roads.
- Heard monthly reports from the emergency management coordinator, county and district clerks, E-911, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer and constables.